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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A Calm Welcome Tablescape

After all the color from the past season, I was yearning for calm and quiet. White on white with a hint of nature. Which in my book reads green or brown or both.

I removed the greenery from my favorite box, will I ever get tired of it? Added the last of the paperwhites and some pine cones. I must tell you a bit of a confession. I pick these things up from everywhere we visit. I just love how they add nature back to our home.

When it's hard to reach over or around a centerpiece, individual salt and peppers are a must on the table. Especially when, if like me, we have reduced our salt intake and others around us have not.

I force my paperwhites in a ceramic planter with rocks. I did a little bit of a test this year. I some forced in water, you know those special little containers where the bulb sits in the top bowl and the roots grown down into the larger cavity. And I forced some on top of small rocks. I forced 3 batches this year. Each bath contained some of both. The paperwhites came from various sources, but repeatedly and without fail, the paperwhites forced on the rocks (what a lively concoction) sprouted and bloomed earlier than the ones just forced in water.

Sorry it's just a gloomy day. Rain is predicted, 90% chance and the clouds are hovering, but nary a welcome drop has fallen.

I know some say that the heady perfume from the paperwhites is too much for them, but we welcome the fresh scent that permeates our home.

I used three different vessels for liquid, one for the appetizer, a water and a wine goblet.

I love how they play so well together in the same sandbox. Each robust enough to stand on it's own, but somehow, together they create a 3 part harmony.

Is it really too early to use bamboo flatware? Is this akin to wearing white pants or sporting white shoes before Easter?

Should I remove the paperwhites before dinner?

The pine cone napkin rings came back out to play today. I think they bring the pine cones from the centerpiece to the table.

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Since there wasn't room for large candlesticks, I added individual candles to the "green things". I think these were originally individual ashtrays, but I've scrubbed to within an inch of their life and used them to hold candles and as salt sellers.

Using a heavy matelasse covering does give the table a bit of warmth during these cold days of winter!

Cast:

Matelasse - vintage

Teak chargers - vintage

White dishes - Wedgwood Windsor

Bamboo Flatware - Horchow's

Napkins - Pier One

Napkin Rings - Kohl's

Large wine goblet - Dollar Tree

Water glass - handblown in France, purchased in Santa Fe, NM

Sherbet - Fostoria

Indivdual S&P's - old

Thank you so much for dropping in today! I love having company and wish each one of you could sit at my table so I could get to know you better. Do pop over to Cuisine Kathleen's Let's Dish party on Wednesday evening and then on the Susan's Tablescape Thursday on Thursday for more pure dish entertainment!

Very beautiful, serene and lovely tablescape dear Marlis! You certainly have the touch. I love the napkins..umm..something I need to make this year is check napkins and maybe a table topper in brown! I collect pinecones too, I have some I always used from a tree in our dear past house, where our two daughters grew up and where I was a young mother and made so many DIY stuff, lol.. Big hugs,FABBY

Marlis, I'm ready for the calmness of white too. Your vintage matelasse is lovely along with all the natural elements. I have pinecones in a bowl on my mantel that were collected over 30+ years ago. Natural elements make me smile.

I love the beautiful brown and white check for the napkins...love the centerpiece, everything looks so pretty with the pinecones...wintery white for flowers really brightens up the table...I am a new follower and look forward to more visits..my friend mary just started her first blog with her first posting she would go crazy with a comment she is at mydogsmygardenandmary.blogspot....

I love how you tie all of the colors together, Marlis. The white in the flowers, to the table cover. The green in the stems, with the little dish, and tealite holders, and so on. Plus, all of the different textures in the setting. You are so detailed when you set your table.It's beautiful!!!xxoo

Hi Marlis, I love your calm table. I tried paperwhites this year for the first time, but mine are gone now. Your special box looks beautiful all decked out in pine cones . I have to confess that I collect pine cones everywhere we visit, too. Isn't it amazing all the different kinds you can find?? I love them for decorating in the winter. Your vintage cloth is gorgeous and a perfect backdrop.

I would love to sit there and be your company, Marlis. You table with white dishes is beautiful. I don't know how to grow paper whites on pots so I leave them outside. Hope you are all well now....Christine

Hi, Marlis! How nice to hear from you about your family's Epiphany! It's a really special holiday for me, so I am really glad to be able to do these parties for the children to lock in on its meaning. We're having friends for the weekend, and your table has given me so many ideas. Since she often looks at my blog I think it would be very nice to do one for them. Yours has the perfect feel. I wish you the best in 2013, Marlis. I hope we can visit each other often. ~Zuni

Lovely table, I can smell the fragrance.I have lots of individual salt and pepper shakers. I love them. I even have a set that belonged to my great grandmother. I was so surprised when I last visited my German exchange student. He loved the idea of individual shakers so much that he had found a set of his own!

Marlis, You are so right, this table is so soothing, restorative. I almost bursts with the hidden spring that is just around the corner. I love the wooden box, please don't get tired of it just yet and you know from my past tables that I am with you the pine cones. I have lusted after those napkins rings. Are your napkins from Pier 1? They have red ones just like them right now that I WANT! Dianne

Marlis - your table is lovely! The paper whites have been used so beautifully and the addition of the pine cones is such a creative touch. Love the sherbet dishes - I have the same ones in amber. Thanks for sharing!

My favorite kind of table Marlis, with the soothing neutral shades, blooming flowers, and matelasse table covering! I so love your box on your table, the possibilities are endless! I neglected to pick up some Paperwhites to force this year. I always enjoy seeing something growing or blooming :)

Marlis,I adore your nature inspired tablescape, dear friend!!! Green and white seem so~o~o right after the vibrant hues of Christmas! I love how you've accented this with the brown!!! Enjoy your tranquil setting at mealtimes and here's to hoping the rain we're enjoying here on the Prairie today makes it way to your area as well!!!Fondly,Pat

Beautiful table Marlis. It is so soothing and serene. The box is perfect full of your paper whites.I have that very same flatware. Those pinecones are adorable. I have Enjoyed your soft and tranquil table.

Hi Marlis, I so love your table! If this table was at our house, my husband would be moving the centerpiece before he sat down! LOL! To me though, I love a tall centerpiece...he just never lets me leave it on the table!

I love your weathered box, Marlis! What a great idea to cover your pots of paperwhites with pine cones too.

I was interested to hear about your experiment with different methods of forcing paperwhites. I haven't had any for several years now. Is it true adding a little rubbing alcohol helps them not be so leggy? Next year, I want to plant some outside and am sorry I didn't this year.

Your tablescape is great as always.You are a regular tablescaper that I enjoy. I only did four or five last year. Hope to do more this year. I am learning from you.

I am crazy about using matelasse as a tablecloth. Your brown houndstooth napkins are eye catching and repeating the brown on the handles of your cutlery and in the pinecones and pinecone napkin rings just makes it all pop. Repeating the green in the goblets repeats the green stems. Texture and repetition make it a winner.

I love your weathered box, Marlis! What a great idea to cover your pots of paperwhites with pine cones too.

I was interested to hear about your experiment with different methods of forcing paperwhites. I haven't had any for several years now. Is it true adding a little rubbing alcohol helps them not be so leggy? Next year, I want to plant some outside and am sorry I didn't this year.

Your tablescape is great as always.You are a regular tablescaper that I enjoy. I only did four or five last year. Hope to do more this year. I am learning from you.

I am crazy about using matelasse as a tablecloth. Your brown houndstooth napkins are eye catching and repeating the brown on the handles of your cutlery and in the pinecones and pinecone napkin rings just makes it all pop. Repeating the green in the goblets repeats the green stems. Texture and repetition make it a winner.

As far as I'm concerned, it's ALWAYS time to use bamboo flatware!!! It just goes so well with so much...no need to squirrel it away! I'm the same way with pastels and white. I use 'em year-round without shame! GREAT transition on the centerpiece! That really looks great, Marlis! You are getting wonderful use of that beautiful gift, and I'm sure that is very much appreciated. I have never forced paperwhites, but I know it's something a lot of people do. My lack of a green thumb stops me from even trying!!! Great touch with the individual tea lights in lieu of taller candles!!! Very pretty, Miss Marlis! This is the kind of relaxing table we could ALL gather round on a cold January day! Have a good weekend!

Just love the "calmness" of this t'scape and your title fits it perfectly! Terrific pine cone napkin rings (I LOVE anything pine cone!)and I think the bamboo flatware works perfectly with everything - a "natural" look. Great job forcing the paperwhites -they look so tall and lovely! Thanks for sharing your tips on them.

Is it your turn this week to borrow the brown checkered napkins? Oh, wait, since I saw them on your blog first, I guess I'm the one who borrows them once in a while. Love the table. I think we are all craving simplicity after the exuberance of the Christmas season. The brown, green and white colors are the perfect combination for a wintery day.